CHANGE POT LAW, OAKLAND COUNTY PROSECUTOR URGES

Michigan's medical marijuana law needs to be tweaked to make it
easier to regulate and enforce, Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica
Cooper told county commissioners Thursday.

Cooper said she has met with the county's state legislators and urged
commission members to work together to help enact changes to the law
that was passed by voters in 2008 by an overwhelming 63%-37% margin.
Any changes would have to be passed by a two-thirds majority in the
state House and Senate.

The law was aimed at helping those suffering chronic pain caused by
severe illness like cancer and multiple sclerosis.

But Cooper said some people are using frivolous reasons for getting
certificates that allow them to grow medical marijuana or to buy it
from certified caregivers.

"Now we're seeing young people with hammertoes or dislocated
shoulders getting certificates," she said. "And children under the
age of 18 may obtain a medical marijuana card."

The state has received 111,451 applications for medical marijuana
certificates and issued 63,869 cards. State officials said 27 people
under the age of 18 have been issued medical marijuana cards.

Oakland County law enforcement officers have raided medical marijuana
dispensaries in Waterford and Ferndale and continue to pursue charges
against the owners. Cooper said that will continue because marijuana
still is illegal under federal law.

While Cooper got a welcome reception at the meeting Thursday,
Commissioner Craig Covey, D-Ferndale, said there should be much
higher priorities for the prosecutor.

"I would like to see people be more open about cannabis use rather
than reaching for the ... painkillers," he said.